As an arctic air mass continued to build southward across the South on February 17th, another wave of precipitation overspread this cold air mass across much of Mississippi. The main impacts across central and southern portions of the state were from freezing rain and resulting heavy icing, but some significant accumulations of sleet and snow also occurred in areas mainly north and west of the…
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Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS JAN wrote it up.
As an arctic air mass continued to build southward across the South on February 17th, another wave of precipitation overspread this cold air mass across much of Mississippi. The main impacts across central and southern portions of the state were from freezing rain and resulting heavy icing, but some significant accumulations of sleet and snow also occurred in areas mainly north and west of the Natchez Trace. Freezing rain continued through the evening hours, ending from west to east by the early morning of February 18th. Ice accumulated quickly in many locations and downed numerous trees, large limbs, and power lines across the affected areas. Several trees and limbs fell onto power lines, resulting in more widespread power outages as well. Some trees fell onto homes or cars, and significant amounts of ice, sleet, and snow collapsed a few gas station awnings and roofs where accumulations were greatest. In the hardest hit areas, extensive damage to trees and power lines took several months and cost several hundred thousands of dollars to clean up.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Jackson, MS wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 17, 12:18 AM CST, 4 hours 12 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Jackson MS
1218 AM CST Wed Feb 17 2021
.UPDATE...
Updated for 06Z aviation discussion
&&
.AVIATION...
06Z TAF discussion:
Very poor flying conditions continue across the region and will
through the TAF period and beyond. Clearing has occurred in some
areas while others have resumed VFR ceilings. A few spots, in the
southeast mainly, remain overcast with low stratus and with IFR
conditions. Conditions will worsen today as another winter storm
moves through the region. IFR conditions expected as a mix of
sleet, freezing rain, snow and rain will affect TAF sites. Rain
predominately at KPIB/KHBG and KMEI, while other sites will see a
mixture through the period. Precip will move out of the region
finally by around 03-06Z. /28/
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Not a whole lot has changed within the main forecast package. Some
stratus clouds that were prevailing across the southeast have
begun to clear out some so dropped temperatures around that area
tonight by another 2-3 degrees. A new Winter Storm Warning and
Winter Weather Advisory was issued earlier today for west,
northeast, and central MS. This goes into effect 6AM Wednesday
morning and lasts through 6AM Thursday. Some adjustments were made
tonight to the warning and advisory to extend further south east.
New model data coming in showed a southeast trend for ice
accumulations so wanted to account for that. A Hard freeze
Warning remains in effect for the entire CWA until 12 noon
Wednesday. Near record cold temperatures will prevail again
tonight with lows ranging from the teens to lower 20s. Look for
light freezing rain and possible sleet to move back into the
western parts of the forecast as early as right before sunrise
tomorrow./JNE/
Prior discussion below:
Tonight: Scattered light snow showers persist this afternoon
along a band of stratus clouds extending across eastern/southern
MS as a regime of low level cold advection persists. Several of
these areas received a dusting of snow, with locally higher
amounts in spots. Elsewhere, clearing has allowed for considerable
insolation across much of the region. This has contributed to
some melting of accumulations. Unfortunately, with temps remaining
below freezing and falling again after sunset, this liquid will
quickly refreeze tonight making for continued hazardous travel
conditions. We will transmit an SPS to highlight this concern.
Another frigid night is upcoming, with lows in the teens mainly
north of I-20. While wind chills will be less of a factor than
yesterday/this morning, single digit readings are still expected
across much of the Delta
Wednesday: Confidence is increasing in severe impacts,
particularly across the ArkLaMiss Delta region, from the next
storm system which is set to arrive tomorrow. As another strong
shortwave rounds the broader upper trough and the rear entrance
region of an upper jet streak strengthens over the Mid South, a
surface low will track along a surface baroclinic zone extending
along the Gulf Coast tomorrow into Thursday. A broad swath of
precipitation will begin to spread across areas west of the MS
River by daybreak, spreading eastward through the day across the
area through the day. As low level warm advection strengthens
considerably, surface temperatures will begin to rise through the
morning, increasingly so for locations farther south and east.
This will establish a sharp temperature gradient from northwest to
southeast by afternoon with northwestern areas remaining below
freezing and temps rising into the 40s in the Pine Belt. Here are
some highlights of items influencing today's forecast updates:
-As we get closer to the event and further into the range of
available CAM guidance, it has become clear that freezing
temperatures may be an issue further southward than previously
advertised. This makes sense given the considerable accumulations
that remain on the ground and the influence the melting process
will have on temperatures. This guidance also hints that
precipitation may begin earlier than previously anticipated,
which would overlap with subfreezing surface temps for a longer
duration farther S/E. This has resulted in an increased threat
for ice over the Natchez Trace corridor and into northeastern
portions of the area.
-Unlike most situations in which we are waiting for
surfaces/objects to cool sufficiently for ice accretion to
commence, in areas with temps rising to above freezing, this time
we will instead be waiting on surfaces to warm sufficiently for
ice accretion to no longer occur. That means some icing could
continue for a short time as temps rise above freezing. This
further reinforces our increased concern for areas on the
southern fringes.
-It appears a greater proportion of precipitation in the Delta
will be in the form of freezing rain due to the very strong low
level WAA. The 12Z HREF FRAM ensemble mean depicts a broad area
of 1/2"- 3/4" accumulations across the Delta, with a smaller
corridor of 3/4"+. HREF forecast mean QPF during this time is up
to 1.25"-1.5". While we still expect some of this to be in the
form of sleet or snow (mainly closer to the MS River north of
Greenville and Bolivar Co), this is obviously a concerning amount
of QPF to fall with temperatures below freezing and high FZRA
potential.
-Precipitation intensity may be high at times, which may cut into
ice accums owing to increased runoff.
-Due to the ground being rather cold, greater runoff could
actually lead to some localized flooding issues in some areas and
some minor river flooding.
Expected Impacts:
For the NW/ArkLaMiss Delta area...Temperatures are expected to
remain below freezing for the duration of the event and will have
been primarily in the teens for the past 36 hours at the onset of
precipitation with the ground covered with multiple inches of
sleet and snow. Precipitation may begin as snow and sleet tomorrow
morning, but much of it is expected to become freezing rain by
late morning into the afternoon. An area of ice accumulations of
1/2" to 1" is possible on top of what has already occurred. Roads
which are already treacherous will become even moreso.
Infrastructure which is already being tested will suffer
additional issues as the threat for downed trees and tree limbs
increases.
For the Natchez Trace corridor Natchez/Jackson/Golden Triangle
area...Morning temperatures will be well below freezing then rise
through midday to near freezing. Precip will begin by late morning
possibly beginning as sleet before becoming mainly freezing rain.
Temps in this area may fluctuate near to just above freezing into
the afternoon. On the colder side of this corridor additional
accumulations will exacerbate ongoing issues with travel and
create new problems due to more icing than snow/sleet. On the
warmer side of this corridor, improvement in areas just above
freezing may be slowed by existing accumulations on the ground and
marginal temps.
Southeast Mississippi area...Light sleet or light freezing rain
are possible at the onset of precipitation, especially if it
arrives sooner than currently anticipated. Some additional light
icing is possible before temps rise into the upper 30s and lower
40s by afternoon leading to steadily improving conditions.
Sufficient elevated instability may exist for thunderstorms by the
afternoon. /DL/
Wednesday night through Monday: Come Wednesday evening wl be in
the middle of another winter storm as a surface low tracks east
across the northern Gulf driven by a couple of shortwaves rounding
the base of a large upper level trough to our west. By evening
the surface low is expected to be just off the southeast Louisiana
coast with the freezing line generally along the Natchez Trace.
This will result in mostly moderate rain falling across our
southeast while a wintry mix including light freezing rain falls
across our CWA northwest of the Natchez Trace. As the night
progresses and the surface low tracks farther east, the freezing
line will shift to the southeast resulting in more of our CWA
under light freezing rain and a wintry mix. The forecast Thursday
will be highly dependent on the temperature forecast. The surface
low will continue to move farther east of our CWA but wl remain
under southwest flow aloft resulting in a continuation of moisture
across our cold airmass. By sunrise Thursday the freezing line
should be near Interstate 59 but then drift back to the northwest
resulting in our east and southeast transitioning back to rain
while the light freezing rain and wintry mix recede back to the
delta before all precipitation tapers off by evening. An icy mess
is expected over most of our CWA. Although the precipitation will
end by evening, temperatures will plummet again overnight
resulting in morning lows from the teens in the delta to mid 20s
in the southeast so blackice and icy roads will continue over most
of the CWA. The upper level trough will swing east of Mississippi
Friday while a >1030mb high becomes centered over our CWA. Dry
weather is expected and warmer afternoon highs but portions of the
delta region will likely remain below freezing. With near zonal
flow aloft and the surface high centered over our CWA Friday
night, the northern half of our CWA will bottom out in the teens
again with low to mid 20s back across the south. Dry weather is
expected Saturday along with temperatures back above freezing
areawide. Saturday night won't be as cold but the northern half of
the area will bottom out below freezing. Sunday return flow will
strengthen over our area ahead of another shortwave trough and
developing surface low over the central Plains. Rain will move
back into our northwest by late afternoon but temperatures will be
back in the upper 40s and no wintry pcpn is anticipated.
Temperatures Sunday night are expected to remain well above
freezing and the rain will continue Monday until the passage of
the cold front. /22/
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Jackson 17 36 31 38 / 95 90 53 10
Meridian 18 39 34 44 / 71 97 65 12
Vicksburg 17 33 29 36 / 100 81 48 7
Hattiesburg 18 45 36 47 / 67 95 63 12
Natchez 19 36 30 37 / 98 79 45 7
Greenville 14 29 27 30 / 100 78 45 5
Greenwood 17 33 29 34 / 94 88 52 9
&&
.JAN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MS...Hard Freeze Warning until noon CST today for MSZ018-019-025>066-
072>074.
Winter Weather Advisory from 6 AM this morning to 6 AM CST
Thursday for MSZ031-038-039-044-045-049-050-054-061-062.
Winter Storm Warning from 6 AM this morning to 6 AM CST Thursday
for MSZ018-019-025>030-032>037-040>043-047-048-053-059-060.
LA...Hard Freeze Warning until noon CST today for LAZ007>009-015-016-
023>026.
Winter Storm Warning from 6 AM this morning to 6 AM CST Thursday
for LAZ007>009-015-016-023>026.
AR...Hard Freeze Warning until noon CST today for ARZ074-075.
Winter Storm Warning from 6 AM this morning to 6 AM CST Thursday
for ARZ074-075.
&&
28Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Jackson MS 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 ARZ074-075-LAZ024-025-MSZ018-019-025>029-032-036-037-042-043-047- 172300- Ashley-Chicot-Catahoula-Tensas-Bolivar-Sunflower-Leflore-Grenada- Carroll-Montgomery-Webster-Choctaw-Holmes-Attala-Yazoo-Madison MS- Warren- 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, and central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Wednesday ICE ACCUMULATION THREAT...Significant TIMING...Wednesday Accumulations of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow will result in additional significant icing of roads and bridges. Several trees and power lines will be downed, resulting in numerous power outages. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday night through Monday The threat for winter weather will continue into Thursday, with impacts from this winter storm persisting. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... The activation of storm spotters, HAM radio operators, and emergency management personnel in support of severe weather operations is not expected through next Monday. LAZ007>009-015-016-023-MSZ034-035-040-041-172300- Morehouse-West Carroll-East Carroll-Richland-Madison LA- Franklin LA-Washington-Humphreys-Issaquena-Sharkey- 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of northeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Wednesday ICE ACCUMULATION THREAT...Extreme TIMING...Wednesday Accumulations of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow will result in additional severe icing of roads and bridges. Widespread downed trees and power lines are expected. Be prepared for power outages lasting several days. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday night through Monday The threat for winter weather will continue into Thursday, with impacts from this winter storm persisting. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... The activation of storm spotters, HAM radio operators, and emergency management personnel in support of severe weather operations is not expected through next Monday. LAZ026-MSZ030-031-033-038-044-048-053-059-172300- Concordia-Clay-Lowndes-Oktibbeha-Winston-Leake-Hinds-Claiborne- Jefferson- 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of northeast Louisiana and central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Wednesday ICE ACCUMULATION THREAT...Elevated TIMING...Wednesday Accumulations of freezing rain and sleet will result in additional icing of roads and bridges. Some trees or tree limbs may be downed and sporadic power outages are possible. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday night through Monday The threat for winter weather will continue into Thursday, with impacts from this winter storm persisting. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... The activation of storm spotters, HAM radio operators, and emergency management personnel in support of severe weather operations is not expected through next Monday. MSZ039-045-046-049>051-054-055-060>063-172300- Noxubee-Neshoba-Kemper-Rankin-Scott-Newton-Copiah-Simpson-Adams- Franklin MS-Lincoln-Lawrence- 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Wednesday ICE ACCUMULATION THREAT...Limited TIMING...Wednesday Accumulations of light freezing rain and sleet may result in additional icing of bridges and overpasses. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday night through Monday The threat for winter weather will continue into Thursday, with impacts from this winter storm persisting. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... The activation of storm spotters, HAM radio operators, and emergency management personnel in support of severe weather operations is not expected through next Monday. MSZ052-056>058-064>066-072-172300- Lauderdale-Smith-Jasper-Clarke-Jefferson Davis-Covington-Jones- Marion- 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of east and southeast Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Wednesday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday night through Monday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... The activation of storm spotters, HAM radio operators, and emergency management personnel in support of severe weather operations is not expected through next Monday. MSZ073-074-172300- Lamar-Forrest- 453 PM CST Tue Feb 16 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southeast Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Wednesday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday night through Monday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... The activation of storm spotters, HAM radio operators, and emergency management personnel in support of severe weather operations may be needed for portions of the region Wednesday through Wednesday night. DL && ...HAZARD LEGEND... *ICE ACCUMULATION* Extreme...Roads impassable and widespread power outages likely. Significant...Dangerous travel conditions and numerous power outages possible. Elevated...Difficult travel conditions and sporadic power outages possible. Limited...Light icing of bridges and overpasses. *SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS* High...Significant severe thunderstorms are expected. Moderate...Severe storms expected with significant severe weather possible. Enhanced...Severe storms expected. Slight...Severe storms possible. Marginal...Isolated severe storms possible. ...USEFUL WEATHER WEB PAGES (URLS)... NWS JAN Home page... https://www.weather.gov/jan Stay Aware, Stay Safe NWS JAN Briefing Page... https://www.weather.gov/jan/safe Latest Weather Briefing... https://www.weather.gov/jan/weather_briefing Find NWS JAN on Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/NWSJacksonMS Follow NWS JAN on Twitter... @NWSJacksonMS Follow NWS JAN on Youtube... https://www.youtube.com/user/NWSJacksonMiss ...ADDITIONAL URLS FOR WINTER WEATHER ISSUES... Current Winter Weather... https://www.weather.gov/jan/safe_Winter Day 1 through 3 Winter Threats... https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/winter_wx.shtml Winter Impact Discussion... https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/qpfhsd.html ...ADDITIONAL URLS FOR SEVERE WEATHER ISSUES... Storm Prediction Center (SPC)... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/ Meso Analysis... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/mesoanalysis/ Day 1 through 3 Outlooks... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/ Storm Reports... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/online/
The Little Rock radar (KLZK), 172 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:32 UTC.
23 winter storm, 15 ice storm, 2 flash flood, 2 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.
A mix of sleet and snow fell across the county. Snow totals around 2 inches were common in western portions of the county closer to the Mississippi River, with around 1 inch of sleet and snow measured in the southeastern part of the county.
Light amounts of sleet, snow, and freezing rain fell early in the day, but heavier freezing rain during the afternoon led to rapid ice accumulation on trees and other elevated surfaces. Total ice accumulations were over 0.25 inches, and up to around 0.40 inches in northern parts of the county around Anguilla.
A mix of sleet and snow fell through the morning and afternoon, with over 0.5 inches of new sleet falling. Freezing rain also fell at times throughout the day.
Periods of sleet during the morning and early afternoon brought new accumulations of up to around 1 inch of sleet to the county, with a transition to freezing rain during the afternoon producing around 0.25 inches of ice on trees and power lines by the evening. Some light freezing drizzle continued into the overnight hours.
Sleet began falling late in the morning, with a transition to periods of heavy freezing rain by the early afternoon. Ice accumulations on power lines and in trees across the county was over 0.50 inches by the late evening, with amounts of up to 0.70 inches in some areas. The ice caused widespread broken and downed trees, limbs, and power lines which lead to widespread power outages.
An early mix of sleet and freezing rain brought around 0.25 inches of new sleet and light ice accumulations on trees and elevated surfaces. Then heavier freezing rain during the afternoon caused rapid accumulations of ice on trees, power lines, and roads in the county. By the afternoon roads were very hazardous, and a combination of ice and rain even led to some flooded roads and highways. Total ice accumulations through the evening were around 0.35 inches across much of the county, but amounts of up to 0.50 inches were reported in some locations. Downed trees and power lines were widespread across the county, and the weight of ice also collapsed several carports and patio awnings. Some roads had up to 3 inches of sleet and slush combined from the current and previous winter storms.
After light sleet occurred late in the morning, freezing rain during the afternoon and evening resulted in heavy ice accumulations of around 0.50 inches. The weight of so much ice downed trees and power lines, resulting in widespread damage and power outages across the county.
Some light sleet fell in the late morning, but a quick transition to freezing rain by the afternoon led to around 0.50 inches or greater of ice accumulation by the evening hours. Widespread downed trees, limbs, and power lines left most of the county without power.
Sleet began accumulating in the morning hours, with accumulations of over 1.0 inches in northern parts of the county by the evening. Especially across southern portions of the county, freezing rain accumulated at least 0.25 inches of ice on trees and other elevated surfaces.
Around 0.5 inches of sleet fell throughout the morning and afternoon, transitioning to mainly freezing rain during the afternoon. Ice accumulations of around 0.30 inches were measured around Eupora by the evening.
Freezing rain quickly accumulated on trees, power lines, and other surfaces during the afternoon. Amounts of up to 0.50 inches were common, although some isolated higher accumulations may have occurred. Power outages became widespread as trees and power lines were downed. Social media reports relayed by local broadcast media showed damage from Natchez including an oak tree that fell onto a home and trapped residents inside, a carport that collapsed onto vehicles beneath it, and a gas station awning that collapsed from the weight of ice. The pictures showed about one half inch of ice in town. Ice even jammed some drainages and caused flash flooding in the Natchez area.
After an mix of light sleet and freezing rain early in the afternoon, a transition to freezing rain brought steady ice accumulation on trees and other elevated surfaces through the afternoon and evening. Total ice accumulations were up to around 0.35 as measured in the Gluckstadt area.
Freezing rain quickly accumulated on trees and power lines across the county. Widespread ice amounts of 0.30 to 0.40 inches were observed by mid-afternoon, with some additional light accumulations continuing into the evening. Numerous trees and power lines were downed by the weight of ice.
Freezing rain quickly accumulated on trees and power lines during the afternoon. Ice amounts ranged from around 0.25 inches in the eastern half of the county to around 0.40 inches in the western half. Numerous trees and power lines were downed by the weight of ice and caused widespread power outages especially in the western half of the county.
Between 0.25 and 0.4 inches of ice accumulated on trees, power lines, and other surfaces through the afternoon and evening. Trees and power lines were downed by the weight of ice and caused power outages across the county. At least one large tree fell onto a home near Raymond. The roof collapsed at a gas station in Clinton, and an awning collapsed at a gas station in southwest Jackson.
Freezing rain quickly accumulated through the afternoon, with amounts over 0.25 inches and up to 0.50 inches in places downing trees and power lines across the county. Power outages occurred across the county.
After significant accumulations of up to 0.5 inches of sleet fell especially across northern parts of the county, heavy icing from freezing rain occurred through the afternoon and evening. Ice accumulations on trees and power lines totaled up to around 0.40 inches based on pictures taken in the Grace community.
Ice accumulations varied across the county, with measurements of less than 0.15 inches to greater than 0.25 inches on trees and limbs. Scattered trees, limbs, and power lines were downed, and some power outages occurred.
Although impacts across the county were primarily from freezing rain, some sleet and snow also fell at times during the afternoon and evening. Ice accumulation on trees and power lines due to freezing rain was around 0.25 inches by the late evening.
A mix of light sleet, snow, and freezing rain early in the afternoon transitioned to all freezing rain through the afternoon. Ice quickly accumulated on trees and power lines by the early evening, with accumulations around 0.25 inches downing a few trees and tree limbs during the evening hours.
Freezing rain accumulated on trees and power lines across the county through the afternoon and evening. Numerous trees were downed by the weight of up to 0.50 inches of ice in some locations. Power lines were also downed across several highways in the county, including one which had caught fire in Raleigh.
Ice accumulations of around 0.25 inches broke tree limbs across the county, some of which fell onto and downed power lines. Some power outages occurred.
Several pictures and reports on social media from across the county showed large branches and a few trees downed by around 0.25 inches of accumulated ice. Some power outages occurred in parts of the county.
Flash flooding of various roads and streets in the county was caused by heavy rain and ice jamming drainages.
After a light accumulation of sleet and snow during the early afternoon on the 17th, a transition to freezing rain caused heavy icing across the county into the early morning of the 18th. Accumulations of up to 0.50 inches of ice downed trees and power lines across much of the county, and power outages were widespread. A metal canopy at a gas station in Kosciusko collapsed due to the weight of ice.
After an early mix of freezing rain and sleet, a transition to freezing rain brought rapid accumulations of up to 0.20 inches of ice by the late afternoon and between 0.30 to 0.40 inches across the county by the late evening. Numerous downed trees and tree limbs resulted in power outages for much of the county, and roads and bridges were still iced over or slushy the next day.
A mix of sleet and snow through the afternoon quickly transitioned to freezing rain by the evening. Ice accumulations early in the evening were around only around 0.10 inches in Starkville, but late evening icing increased totals to around 0.25 inches in Starkville and up to around 0.50 inches in the southeastern corner of the county around the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Numerous tree limbs and scattered trees were downed around the county, and many tree tops were broken off near the Wildlife Refuge. Around 50 traffic accidents occurred due to slick roads and bridges.
Heavy sleet accumulated from the morning into late afternoon, with sleet totals around 2 inches before a transition to a mix of sleet and freezing rain occurred. Freezing rain led to ice accumulations of around 0.10 to 0.20 inches through the late evening.
A mix of sleet and freezing rain fell through the afternoon and evening hours. Total sleet accumulations around 0.5 inches. Ice accumulations from freezing rain were up to around 0.25 inches and caused tree limbs to be downed in various places around the county.
Heavy sleet accumulated to around 0.5 inches in the county before a transition to freezing rain occurred. Accumulations of around 0.50 inches of ice through the evening resulted in in widespread downed and broken trees, limbs, and power lines. The damage resulted in extensive power outages across the county and made roads slick to travel on.
Ice accumulated across especially northwestern portions of the county. Large branches were broken by 0.25 inches of ice and had to be cleared from roads in Montrose.
Downed trees and power lines were widespread across the county due to ice accumulations of between 0.25 to 0.50 inches. All the trees at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge were coated with 0.50 inches of ice, and numerous tree tops broke off due to the weight.
After some light sleet, freezing rain during the evening accumulated to around 0.25 inches of ice on trees and power lines in the county. Some trees limbs were downed in the Cedar Bluff and surrounding areas.
A mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain fell from the afternoon into the overnight hours. New sleet accumulations were between 1.0 to 2.0 inches across the county, and ice accumulations in trees and on power lines were at least 0.10 inches by late evening.
Light accumulations of snow during the afternoon transitioned to freezing rain by the evening. Total ice accumulations in trees and on power lines were up to around 0.25 inches.
Around 0.15 inches of ice accumulated on trees due to rounds of freezing rain through the afternoon and evening. Tree branches were sagging under the weight of ice, but no widespread damage occurred in the county.
A light icing of up to around 0.15 inches accumulated on trees in the northern half of the county due to rounds of freezing rain through the afternoon and evening.
Accumulations of up to around 0.50 inches of ice downed trees, large limbs, and power lines especially in the western half of the county. A resident near Preston heard trees and branches snapping throughout the night.
Widespread accumulations of around 0.50 inches of ice downed trees, branches, and power lines across the county.
Freezing rain accumulated through the afternoon and evening. Ice amounts of greater than 0.40 inches took down numerous trees, limbs, and power lines across the county including across the Choctaw Reservation. A concentration of heavy tree damage occurred along Mississippi Highway 16 east of Philadelphia to the Kemper County line.
Embedded in rounds of sleet and freezing rain, a thunderstorm produced heavy rain and flooded portions of U.S. Highway 49 between MS Highway 433 and U.S. Highway 149.
Accumulations of up to around 0.63 inches of ice downed trees, large limbs, and power lines especially in the northern half the county. A resident of the Collinsville area heard trees snapping through the night.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Mississippi in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Mississippi, February 2021
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 948286, 948558, 948559, 949304, 949303, 949307, 948388, 948425, 948431, 949305, 943693, 948550, 943698, 943701, 946280, 946304, 948395, 946319, 948394, 948552, 946335, 946322, 946325, 948284, 948285, 948430, 948554, 948287, 948391, 948288, 946281, 946316, 948389, 948390, 948432, 949309, 949311, 946282, 946312, 946309, and more.